Photo : Tom Gachet
Latin America
The COSU celebrates the music of Latin America through works by Christine Audat, Heitor Villa-Lobos, Carlos Chávez, and Ariel Ramírez.
Grand Amphithéâtre de la Sorbonne (Paris 5th)
About
Latin American music carries the memory of histories and civilizations that have constantly encountered and transformed one another. Pre-Columbian, African, and European heritages have produced, through phenomena of mixing, syncretism, and creolization, a great diversity of musical forms. The modernity of this music is permeated by themes as varied as the relationship to the land, beliefs, collective stories, and the joys and sorrows of daily life.
The Andean ritual inspires Jimmy López in his Pago a la Tierra (homage to the earth), while Carlos Chávez imagines Aztec music inspired by pre-Columbian instruments in Xochipilli. Villa-Lobos and Ariel Ramírez draw on the forms, rhythms, and practices of popular music to integrate them into their own musical language.
The second part of the program, performed in November 2026 at UNESCO, is entirely dedicated to Peru. It features several iconic pieces from the traditional repertoire - huayno, Creole waltz, cumbia - as well as creations by the Franco-Peruvian composer Christine Audat, for which Nicolas Agullo, conductor of the COSU, has written arrangements for choir and orchestra.
Jimmy López Pago a la Tierra
Ariel Ramírez Misa Criolla for choir and orchestra
Heitor Villa-Lobos Duas Lendas Ameríndias em Nheengatu
Carlos Chávez Xochipilli, An Imagined Aztec Music
Christine Audat
• Demos Gracias Democracias
• Sácalo
• Agua sí oro no
Adrian Flores Albán Alma, corazón y vida
Miguel Ángel Hurtado Delgado Valicha
Ángel Aníbal Rosado Cariñito
Sorbonne University Choir & Orchestra
Nicolas Agullo conductor
Frédéric Pineau choir master
UFR Music and Musicology Choir
Gwennaëlle Lemaire-Debarnot choir director
Luis Rigou solo tenor and flutes
Our take on this event
Immerse yourself in a powerful sonic journey where ancient Andean rhythms collide with the refined beauty of a full symphony orchestra. This is a rare chance to witness how deep cultural roots bloom into a vibrant and soul-stirring musical experience. Prepare for a bold fusion that captures the true spirit and complexity of Latin American artistry.
The Grand Amphithéâtre de la Sorbonne hosts a concert dedicated to Latin American music on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. This performance explores the intersection of pre-Columbian, African, and European influences through works by composers such as Heitor Villa-Lobos, Ariel Ramírez, and Carlos Chávez. Featuring the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra, conducted by Nicolas Agullo, the program also includes traditional Peruvian pieces and original works by Christine Audat, with soloist Luis Rigou. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and tickets range from 6€ to 20€ depending on eligibility.
Experience the diverse musical heritage of Latin America during this special evening at the Grand Amphithéâtre de la Sorbonne. The performance highlights the cultural synthesis of the region, blending classical compositions like Jimmy López's Pago a la Tierra and Ariel Ramírez's Misa Criolla with music deeply rooted in indigenous and popular traditions.
The second part of the evening shifts focus to Peru, featuring iconic traditional genres such as huayno, Creole waltz, and cumbia. Audiences will also hear arrangements by Nicolas Agullo for choir and orchestra, alongside original compositions by Franco-Peruvian composer Christine Audat. Performers include the Sorbonne University Choir and Orchestra, the Musicology department choir, and soloist Luis Rigou, under the guidance of conductors Nicolas Agullo, Frédéric Pineau, and Gwennaëlle Lemaire-Debarnot.
The event takes place on Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 20:00 to 21:30. Tickets are priced at 20€ for the general public, 12€ for Sorbonne University staff, and a reduced rate of 6€ for students, individuals under 18, and social welfare beneficiaries. The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users.
